Cover Letter Guide
Why Write a Cover Letter?
The cover letter accompanies your résumé to potential employers and provides you the opportunity to
introduce yourself. Cover letters are comprised of at least 3 – 4 paragraphs and should be written in a
manner that highlights the skills, abilities and accomplishments listed on your résumé. Additionally, the
overall tone of your cover letter should be conversational and professional while relaying your enthusiasm
for the organization. Your goal is to motivate the employer to read your résumé and invite you for an
interview.
Inasmuch, the cover letter should hone in on your areas of expertise by summarizing your experience as it
relates to the requirements for the job or internship for which you are applying. Be sure to use transitional
words to segue from one thought and paragraph to another, and review the company’s website so you’re
able to customize the letter to the position and organization. Below are the essentials of a cover letter.
Address the letter to the
manager, supervisor, or
director. Only use “To
Whom It May Concern” if
you’re unable to locate this
information.
Format notes
Jane Jones
1234 Main Street
Pembroke, NC 28372
Your address
January 5, 2017
Today’s date
Brenda Clark, Director
Employment Solutions, Inc.
5678 Main Street
Pembroke, NC 28372
Employer’s Address
Dear Ms. Clark,
Paragraph 2: Story # 1
Describe one experience
that is both impressive
and relevant to the job.
Examples:
 Part-time jobs
 Internships/Volunteerism
 Research/Projects
 Student leadership
Paragraph 3: Story # 2
Describe a second
experience that is both
impressive & relevant.
Highlight the skills this
experience demonstrates.
Closing
Use a professional
closing and include your
first and last name.
(Optional: Some
applicants include a
digital signature)
I am writing to express my interest in the Career Advisor position with Employment Solutions, Inc. that is
currently posted your website. I have been seeking an opportunity to work for your organization for quite
some time and am excited about the possibility of serving in this position. I have seen firsthand the impact of
ESI’s emphasis on assisting community members with their employment searches and would enjoy
contributing my career counseling and teaching skills to this position.
My interest in career counseling began in high school when I volunteered for the Cumberland County Schools
job fairs as an administrative assistant. While in college at UNC Pembroke, I further explored my passion for
serving as a Hawk Assistant at my university career center. During my final semester, I even served as a Hawk
Assistant Leader. In this position, I was able to fine tune my skills in programming and marketing while
working under tight deadlines.
In addition to my experience with UNC Pembroke, I completed an internship at the NC Department of
Commerce. The opportunity to connect my personal passion for providing tools and information for
employment seeking individuals allowed my work to shine. I worked on more than 60 job applicant caseloads,
and facilitated several workshops on career decisions and networking. This internship required me to work
closely with the workforce solutions team on a daily basis, which allowed me to advance my verbal
communication, teamwork, and attention to detail skills.
 1 page maximum
 11-12 point font
 Choose “standard” fonts such
as Calibri, Times New Roman,
Arial, Georgia, Verdana
Paragraph 1: Intro
Should include:
 Purpose of the letter
 Name of the organization
 Job title for which you are
applying
 Where you found the job
advertisement
 What makes you a fit for the
organization?
 (Optional: If a current
employee referred you to this
position, state that and their
name here)
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
 Summarize your
skills/experiences
 Reiterate your interest in the
position
I am confident that my professional experience and educational background would serve me well as Career
Advisor for Employment Solutions, Inc. It would be my pleasure to work with the ESI staff at such a wellrespected organization. I look forward to the opportunity to interview with you to allow us to further discuss
my qualifications for the position. If you have any questions or would like me to provide any additional
information, please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-5555 or jane.jones@email.com.
Thank you for your time in considering my resume.
Sincerely,
Jane Jones
 Reiterate the job title and
organization
 Include your email & phone
number
 Close with grace and
appreciation
Cover Letter Guide: Example 2